In a controversial and nail-biting match, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury survived a knockdown to defeat former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou by split decision over ten rounds. The fight, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw 37-year-old Ngannou outbox 35-year-old Fury for much of the bout, even knocking down the British champion in Round 3. However, Fury managed to rally and narrowly win with scores of 94-95, 96-93, and 95-94, thereby preserving his undefeated professional record.
Fury's Unexpected Struggle
After the fight, Fury acknowledged Ngannou's skill and fighting prowess. "He's a hell of a fighter and a hell of a lot better boxer than we thought he would be. He's an awkward man and a good puncher, and I respect him a lot," said Fury. He also admitted that Ngannou gave him one of his toughest fights in the last decade.
Many boxing experts had pegged Ngannou as the underdog in this event. However, they believe that "The Predator" was wrongfully denied the win. Ngannou fought with discipline and aggression but wasn't reckless in his approach, surprising many with his boxing ability.
Controversy Surrounding Fury's Condition
Reports from boxing website Bad Left Hook indicated that Fury was not at his physical peak during the fight. His stamina seemed notably lacking in the early rounds. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn echoed these sentiments, maintaining that Ngannou won "by two rounds" and that "Tyson Fury looked like he's never laced a pair of gloves before." Hearn has called for "The Gypsy King" to offer Ngannou a rematch or face Britain's two-time world champion Anthony Joshua. "AJ will knock Tyson Fury out within six rounds. Make the fight; otherwise, we'll never get it," said Hearn.
Stats: Fury Emerges Victorious
Despite Ngannou landing more power punches, the latest stats reveal that Fury landed more total punches in the contest. According to Compubox, Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) landed 71 of 223 punches, while Ngannou (0-1) landed 59 of 231. Fury was also the more active fighter in six of ten rounds, with Ngannou edging three and one round tied. In the final two rounds, Ngannou landed only six punches, while Fury landed 13, likely influencing the judges' decision. However, Ngannou did land more power punches throughout the fight, 37 to 32.
Upcoming Match: Fury vs. Usyk
Following the bout, Oleksandr Usyk entered the ring to confront Fury, his next scheduled opponent. Both fighters are unbeaten and hold unified heavyweight titles. The rumored date for their clash in Riyadh on December 23 remains uncertain as Fury and his promoter, Frank Warren, were non-committal after Fury's fight with Ngannou. There is a chance Fury may have to postpone the title unification against the Ukrainian due to recovery needs.
"I don't think the date will be announced just yet. This fight is on. Both fighters want it. Tyson's got a cut there. We'll see how it heals," said Warren. He explained that Fury cannot go into a camp after such a tough fight and needs "at least a bit of time to get himself, his body, back into shape." He predicted the Briton to return to camp early next year.
However, Usyk insisted that the fight with Fury take place on the agreed date of December 23. Negotiations for the fight had lasted for nearly a year, and Usyk argued that Fury should vacate his title if he could not fight on the agreed date.